L. is a condom company with a cause: to empower men and women globally by supporting the human right to safe sex. For every condom purchased, one is distributed in a developing country in need. L. works with nonprofit partners in Sub-Saharan Africa to promote condom distribution, education and socially transformative, female-run enterprise programs. If just 5% of U.S. consumers currently purchasing condoms choose L., they can serve the condom needs of the three countries with the highest prevalence rates.
L. is the first female owned condom company and puts the health of their consumers first. No more harsh additives, irritation and strong latex odor. L. products are made from a high-grade advanced latex formulation that is extremely durable, odorless and ultra-low in proteins (attributed to causing latex skin allergies). Lubricants are moisture-rich and glycerin and paraben free. By providing the best condom on the market, L. is giving their company the best opportunity to change lives. Male Standard caught up with founder Talia Frenkel to find out more.
Photo credit: L. CondomsWhat makes L. Condoms different from other male condoms?
L. is a new kind of condom company— one that is striving for world change. L. has re-engineered the condom for the modern consumer by designing it with a sophistication and style that embraces health and sexuality. We use the highest grade ingredients for our raw materials, and the latest technology for our testing process. All condoms meet and exceed FDA, WHO and ISO standards, are ultra-sensitive on the skin and female-friendly. L. products are made from an advanced latex formulation that is extremely durable, low-scent and ultra-low in proteins (attributed to causing latex skin allergies). Lubricants are longer lasting and glycerin and paraben free. All products are free of nitrosamines and nonoxynol-9.
Furthermore, L. is differentiated by our mission: for every condom you purchase, one is distributed in a developing country in need. L. is also the first condom company to be Green America Certified,female-owned, and recently named B Corp’s “Best for the World” for overall impact in 2014. At L., we take measure to be as sustainable as possible, but beyond that we strive to become restorative and enriching. Our environmental philosophy, for example, is reflected in our packaging, printed on 100% recycled paper and vegetable based inks.
How are L Condoms empowering men in the fight for safe sex?
By providing a better quality product, we significantly increase the chances of use and protection against STDs and unplanned pregnancy, while empowering men to feel good in the process. Abroad, L. is also providing men with a means for safe sex that may be unavailable or prohibitively expensive. L. is also very committed to opening a dialogue with men about safe sex both in the US and in developing countries.
Photo credit: L. CondomsWhy do you think so many men still refuse to wear condoms?
40 percent of teenagers, half of gay men, and the majority of people outside their childbearing years don’t use condoms, the primary reason described as they make sex less pleasurable. Some condoms can be described as being physically irritating, uncomfortable, drying out, smelling bad and tasting disgusting. Many of these issues have to do with both the latex and lubricant quality of the product. At L. we’ve taken years to manufacture the highest quality condom in order to address these issues. Hevea, or naturalå rubber latex, contains antigenic proteins that cause allergies (there are 13 suspected allergy-causing proteins), all of which can be reduced during the latex processing.
Purifying and thoroughly washing latex in the beginning stages of manufacturing also reduces odor. Lubricant quality depends on the substance used – at L. we are committed to using longer lasting ingredients that are free of potentially harmful additives. At L., we’re committed to setting a new bar in quality in order to make safe sex more pleasurable for all.
Do you think we have become complacent as a nation against STD’s?
I believe its less of a problem of complacency and more of a problem of lack of education. 1 in 2 sexually active young people will get an STD by the age of 25. Most won’t know it. The good news is that most STDs are curable, and all are treatable. Too often, we hear the excuse that a partner trusts that their “smart and educated” partner is STD free. The truly smart and educated path is to use condoms consistently and correctly from start to finish, as they are the only method that protects sexually active people from both STDs and pregnancy.
What impact is unsafe sex having on other countries?
I was inspired to create L. after documenting the effects of unsafe sex on women – so I’ll start there. Globally, the number one killer of women aged 15-44 is AIDS. The number two killer is maternal death. Both can be preventable with a condom. Still, in Africa, 90% of countries go through condom stock-outs for 2-3 months at a time. Every day, roughly 5,000 new transmissions of HIV take place, and everyday 4,000 people die of AIDS. This is not taking into account the cases of syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis that are occurring throughout the world. STDs are a major global cause of acute illness, infertility, long term disability and death, with severe medical and psychological consequences for millions of men, women and children.
What trends can we expect to see in 2014? Do you have any tips for men on how to improve their experience?
2014 trend: Giving is sexy. Tips for men: Be adventurous, communicate and be generous.
Photo credit: L. CondomsHow can men support other men in the fight for safe sex?
Speak up. Men are an integral part of the conversation. Too often, conversations around safe sex are swept under the rug, safe sex should not be so mysterious. By creating a more open and transparent dialogue around the subject, everyone benefits.
What’s your Male Standard?
Givers make good lovers.
About L Condoms
L. is a condom company with a cause; to support women globally by focusing on their sexual empowerment. We create the highest quality condoms for the modern consumer in safety, comfort, and design. Our brand represents a movement for consumers’ choice to support better sex, a better cause, and a better world. Core to our company mission, L. partners with development organizations to support women and HIV/AIDS prevention. For every condom purchased, one is distributed in a developing country.
For more info, please visit https://thisisl.com/.
